A pipe element possessing a longitudinal axis (2) along which a rigid tubular part (3) and a flexible tubular part (4), together constituting a single piece, extend. The rigid part (3) has one end presenting a substantially radial connection surface (8) for connection to an end portion (11) of the flexible part (4), and an additional connection surface (10) on the radial connection surface (8) connecting to the end portion (11) of the flexible part (4), at least a part of the additional connection surface (10) extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (2).
|
1. A pipe element possessing a longitudinal axis (2) along which there extend in succession at least a flexible tubular part (4) and a rigid tubular part (3), wherein the rigid part (3) and the flexible part (4) constitute a single piece, the rigid part having an end (7) presenting a substantially radial connection surface (8) for connection with an end portion (11) of the flexible part (4), and wherein the rigid part (3) has means (9) on the radial connection surface (8) for defining an additional connection surface (10) that is at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (2) and for connection to the end portion (11) of the flexible part (4), said means comprising tongues (9) extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (2) of the pipe element (1), the tongues being embedded in the end portion (11) of the flexible part (4) and reinforcing said flexible part in a radial direction.
2. A pipe element according to
3. A pipe element according to
6. A pipe element according to
7. A pipe element according to
8. A pipe element according to
|
This application is the national phase under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of PCT International Application No. PCT/FR99/03140 which has an International filing date of Dec. 15, 1999, which designated the United States of America.
The present invention relates to a tubular pipe element comprising a rigid longitudinal part and a flexible longitudinal part.
Such elements are known, for example, that form tubular junction elements between two thermoplastic pipes or between a thermoplastic pipe and a nipple. Such an element is intended, for example, to be installed in the fuel feed circuit of a motor vehicle to connect the nipple of the tank to the pipe which is connected to the system for injecting fuel into the combustion chambers of the engine.
In such an application, the pipe element joining the thermoplastic pipe to the tank nipple must provide a leakproof junction that withstands being torn apart while nevertheless being relatively flexible to ensure that the vibration forces to which the junction is subjected while the vehicle is in operation do not give rise to leaks or to the junction breaking. In addition, in the motor industry, assembly rates are high and the nipple must therefore be connected to the pipe quickly and without requiring tooling that is difficult to implement.
In order to satisfy these requirements, it is known to interpose a flexible part comprising an elastomer sleeve between the nipple and the pipe. To do this, a rigid part constituted by an endpiece comprising a first male part with serrated tangs and a second male part axially in line therewith and in the form of a nipple is previously mounted on the pipe by inserting the male part having serrated tangs into one end of the pipe. Because of the forces involved, that operation cannot be performed manually and it is implemented by means of tooling dedicated to that purpose. The nipple-shaped male part is then engaged in one end of the flexible sleeve and a metal collar is placed around the flexible sleeve to clamp it onto the nipple-shaped male part. The pipe fitted in this way can then be mounted on a vehicle on an assembly line and can be connected to the nipple of the tank or to some other element of the vehicle. This operation is performed manually by an operator who engages the free end of the flexible sleeve on the tank nipple and then clamps it onto the nipple by means of a clamping collar. The junction made in this way satisfies the above-mentioned requirements in satisfactory manner. However, the structure of that junction is complex and requires a relatively large number of pieces (four pieces: a rigid endpiece; a flexible sleeve; and two clamping collars). This gives rise to expensive assembly operations and complicates stock management. In addition, the minimum length of the junction corresponds substantially to the length of the flexible sleeve, i.e. to the sum of the length of the tank nipple plus the length of the endpiece nipple plus the distance between the tank nipple and the endpiece nipple. This length makes it difficult to install the junction in vehicles where the space available for components is becoming smaller and smaller. In addition, the junction is relatively heavy, which goes against the present trend in the motor industry where manufacturers are seeking to reduce vehicle weight so as to limit fuel consumption.
The invention provides a pipe element possessing a longitudinal axis along which there extend in succession a rigid tubular part and a flexible tubular part constituting a single piece, the rigid part having one end presenting a substantially radial surface for connection to an end portion of the flexible part and, at the radial connection surface, means for defining an additional surface for connection to the end portion of the flexible part, at least a part of the additional connection surface extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.
The means for defining an additional connection surface enable the connection between the rigid part and the flexible part to be reinforced both against pull-off forces parallel to the longitudinal axis and against transverse forces in bending, the ability to withstand these forces being improved in particular by the part of the additional connection surface that extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe element. The pipe element is also simple in structure, compact, and relatively lightweight. In addition, the pipe element can be made by two-material injection so it is inexpensive.
In a first embodiment of the invention, the means for defining the additional connection surface comprise a ring disposed coaxially about the longitudinal axis of the element and embedded at least in part in the end portion of the flexible part, the ring having a free edge optionally presenting a step projecting radially into the end portion of the flexible part. The rigid part is thus simple in structure and the connection between the rigid part and the flexible part is particularly strong in withstanding transverse forces.
In a second embodiment, the means for defining an additional connection surface comprise tongues extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe element, the tongues being embedded in the end portion of the flexible part and reinforcing said flexible part in a radial direction. The tongues thus serve to increase the strength of the flexible part against the pressure of the fluid flowing in the circuit in which the pipe element is installed, while nevertheless conserving sufficient flexibility for the flexible part.
In a particular application, the pipe element forms a tubular junction element for joining a thermoplastic pipe to a nipple, the rigid part having a male portion provided with external ridges for insertion into the pipe and a shoulder secured to said end of the rigid part and presenting on its side opposite from the male portion a surface that forms the radial connection surface for connection to the end portion of the flexible part, the flexible part being constituted by a flexible sleeve for receiving the nipple via its end opposite from the rigid part. It is thus possible to limit the number of pieces needed for joining a pipe to a nipple, with this number being limited to a tubular junction element plus optionally a clamping collar enabling the nipple to be fixed in the flexible sleeve. The weight of the junction made in this way is likewise small. The length of the junction then corresponds to the length of the nipple plus the distance between the nipple and the rigid part of the tubular junction element. The junction is thus relatively short.
According to a particular characteristic, the flexible sleeve presents at least one mark in relief on its outside for positioning a clamping collar, which mark is constituted, for example, by a groove or an annular bead. The positioning mark enables the operator assembling the flexible sleeve on the nipple to place the clamping collar accurately on the portion of the sleeve that extends around the nipple.
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of particular and non-limiting embodiments of the invention.
Reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:
With reference to
The tubular junction element 1 has a longitudinal axis 2 along which there extend in succession a rigid part 3 and a flexible sleeve 4 in alignment with the rigid part 3 and together forming a single piece.
The rigid part 3 is tubular and has a male portion 5 with external annular ridges 6 of the serrated tang type. The male portion is for insertion into the pipe C. The rigid part 3 is shown here as being straight, but it could naturally be curved.
Remote from its end whereby the male portion 5 is to be inserted into the pipe C, the opposite end 7 of the rigid part 3 forms a shoulder. Going away from the male portion 5, the shoulder 7 presents a radial surface 8 that co-operates closely with an end portion 11 of the flexible sleeve 4 to form a radial connection surface between the rigid part 3 and the flexible sleeve 4.
On the radial connection surface 8, the rigid part 3 also has means 9 for defining an additional surface 10 co-operating closely with the end portion 11 of the flexible sleeve 4 so as to form an additional connection surface. At least a part of the additional connection surface 10 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 2.
The flexible sleeve 4 is designed to receive the nipple T via its end remote from its end portion 11 and the rigid part 3. The flexible sleeve 4 is shown in the figures as being straight, but it could naturally be curved.
In this case, the tubular junction element is made by a two-material injection method. The rigid part 3 is constituted, for example, by a polyamide modified for implementing the method, and the flexible sleeve is an elastomer such as a carboxyl nitrile rubber (XNBR) so as to achieve chemical bonding between the polyamide of the rigid part 3 and the elastomer of the flexible sleeve 4 via the radial connection surface 8 and the additional connection surface 10. Other manufacturing methods can be used to obtain a connection between the rigid part 3 and the end portion 11 via the connection surfaces 8 and 9, such as an injection method with prior application of an adhesion agent on the rigid part, for example. Other materials can also be used for the rigid part and the flexible sleeve, and in particular the flexible sleeve can be made of a fluorocarbon rubber (FPM) or a hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR).
Various embodiments of the tubular junction element and more particularly of the means for defining the additional connection surface 10 are described below with reference to
With reference to
The ring 9 is embedded in the material constituting the end portion 11 of the flexible sleeve 4.
A groove 12 extends on the outside around the flexible sleeve 4. The groove 12 is made when injecting the flexible sleeve 4.
When the nipple T is inserted into the flexible sleeve 4, the free end T2 of the nipple T lies at a distance from the free edge of the ring 9 so that the junction retains a certain amount of flexibility. When the nipple T is positioned in this way, the groove 12 extends over the cylindrical portion T1 of the nipple.
A clamping collar S, drawn in chain-dotted lines in
With reference to
The ring 9 has a free edge 13 forming an outside step projecting radially into the end portion 11. This step reinforces the connection between the rigid part 3 and the sleeve 4 by forming an obstacle that opposes the rigid part 3 being pulled off the sleeve 4. A mechanical connection is thus formed between the rigid part 3 and the flexible sleeve 4.
With reference to
Four tongues 9 are shown disposed symmetrically at 90°C from one another, it being understood that a different number of tongues and/or an asymmetrical disposition of the tongues could be envisaged to adapt the tubular junction element to particular strength or flexibility constraints. Outer steps could also be provided in the tongues 9 so as to project into the material of the end portion 11 so as to oppose the rigid part 3 being pulled off.
Two annular beads extend in parallel around the outside surface of the flexible sleeve 4 to form marks for positioning a clamping collar.
In a variant, and in particularly advantageous manner, the flexible sleeve 4 is provided internally with a diaphragm given reference 14 in
The diaphragm 14 extends transversely inside the flexible sleeve 4 and in this case it is formed integrally with the flexible sleeve during injection thereof. The diaphragm 14 is made of XNBR (or of some other rubber such as the two mentioned above) so as to be deformable between a rest state (shown in
In
In
The diaphragm acts as a capsule on the sleeve to prevent particles penetrating into the pipe before it is connected to the nipple. This function is particularly advantageous when the tubular junction element 1 is for use in the fuel feed circuit of a vehicle, since any such particles run the risk of blocking the injectors of the fuel circuit. Instead of a diaphragm, it is possible to provide a simple tearable membrane.
The sleeve 4 can also present internal relief forming a step, preferably formed integrally with the sleeve, so as to constitute an obstacle opposing the sleeve being pulled off the nipple. The sleeve 4 can also have an inside annular lip acting as a lip gasket and improving sealing of the junction.
With reference to
As in the preceding embodiments, the pipe element 1 has a longitudinal axis 2, a rigid part 3 with a male portion 5 and a shoulder 7 presenting a radial connection surface 8 for connection to an end portion 11 of a flexible part formed by a sleeve 4, and means 9, in this case a ring, defining an additional connection surface 10 having a part extending parallel to the longitudinal axis 2.
In this fourth embodiment, the pipe element 1 has a second rigid part secured to a second end portion 11 of the sleeve 4 at its end opposite to the above-mentioned first end portion 11.
In this case, the second rigid part is made as a single piece with the sleeve 4 and the first rigid part 3 using the method described above.
In
In
The rigid part 3' has an end 7' opposite from its end face 15' and presenting a radial connection surface 8' for connection to the corresponding end portion 11 of the sleeve 4.
A coaxial ring 9' extends from the radial connection surface 8'. The ring 9' is embedded in the corresponding end portion 11 of the sleeve 4 and defines an additional connection surface 10' for connection to the corresponding end portion 11. A part of the additional connection surface 10' extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 2.
In
The rigid part 3" has an end 7" presenting a radial surface 8" for connection to the corresponding end portion 11 of the sleeve 4.
A ring 9" extends from the radial surface 8" parallel to the longitudinal axis 2. The ring 9" is embedded in the corresponding end portion 11 and defines an additional connection surface 10" which has a part that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 2.
Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and variant embodiments can be devised without going beyond the ambit of the invention as defined by the claims.
Milhas, Pierre, Jung, Stéphane
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
10788150, | Mar 22 2018 | Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership | Tube seal |
6764104, | Dec 17 1999 | Voss Automotive GmbH | Line connector, in particular for fuel lines |
6832785, | Jul 21 2003 | COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE INC | Spin welded fluid coupling |
6851448, | Mar 21 2001 | JMS CO , LTD | Rotary connector with valve |
6854484, | Jul 31 2001 | Polaris Innovations Limited | Valve for a slurry outlet opening of a chemical mechanical polishing device and chemical mechanical polishing device having a valve |
6902208, | Dec 10 2003 | BMO CAPITAL MARKETS FINANCING, INC ; BANK OF MONTREAL | Gas impermeable tube joint and method of forming same |
7028981, | Jun 15 1999 | GLOBAL VALVE TECHNOLOGY PTY LIMITED | Non-return valve |
7670296, | Dec 11 2006 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Multi-purpose connector for blood pressure measurement equipment |
7806444, | Jun 28 2004 | NORMA Autoline France SAS | Element weldable by friction to a tube end, and a corresponding welding method |
D488866, | Jan 03 2002 | Vista Outdoor Operations LLC | Hydration connector |
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
2473441, | |||
3888523, | |||
3955594, | Feb 25 1974 | Raymond International Inc. | Pressure operated valve systems |
4047739, | Aug 13 1973 | Fitting and methods for making the same | |
4991882, | Dec 07 1988 | Uhde Inventa-Fischer AG; EMS-Inventa AG; EMS-PATENT AG | Fluid-tight connector |
5098405, | Jan 31 1991 | Becton, Dickinson and Company | Apparatus and method for a side port cathether adapter with a one piece integral combination valve |
5143117, | Aug 29 1991 | Tomkins Industries, Inc. | Break away check valve |
5466017, | Sep 17 1993 | ITT Corporation | Squeeze-to-release quick connector |
5568944, | Jun 29 1992 | Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd. | Resin hose connecting structure |
5636875, | Jul 16 1993 | Uhde Inventa-Fischer AG; EMS-Inventa AG; EMS-PATENT AG | Two-part tubular connector made of polymers as well as conduit system incorporating such connector and pipes made of the same polymers |
5924452, | Sep 08 1997 | BAXTER INTERNATIONAL, INC | Valve assembly |
DE13606348, | |||
GB1354691, |
Executed on | Assignor | Assignee | Conveyance | Frame | Reel | Doc |
Jun 29 2000 | MILHAS, PIERRE | Nobel Plastiques | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 010981 | /0847 | |
Jun 29 2000 | JUNG, STEPHANE | Nobel Plastiques | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 010981 | /0847 | |
Jul 20 2000 | Nobel Plastiques | (assignment on the face of the patent) | / |
Date | Maintenance Fee Events |
Mar 24 2006 | M1551: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 4th Year, Large Entity. |
Feb 20 2009 | ASPN: Payor Number Assigned. |
May 03 2010 | REM: Maintenance Fee Reminder Mailed. |
Sep 24 2010 | EXP: Patent Expired for Failure to Pay Maintenance Fees. |
Date | Maintenance Schedule |
Sep 24 2005 | 4 years fee payment window open |
Mar 24 2006 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Sep 24 2006 | patent expiry (for year 4) |
Sep 24 2008 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 4) |
Sep 24 2009 | 8 years fee payment window open |
Mar 24 2010 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Sep 24 2010 | patent expiry (for year 8) |
Sep 24 2012 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 8) |
Sep 24 2013 | 12 years fee payment window open |
Mar 24 2014 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Sep 24 2014 | patent expiry (for year 12) |
Sep 24 2016 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 12) |